The Crop Burning-Diwali Connection to Delhi’s Air Pollution
Delhi’s toxic air quality is an annual calamity that coincides with the post-harvest season in Punjab and Haryana. Each year, the burning of paddy stubble in these agricultural states exacerbates the already fragile air quality of the capital city. Farmers set fire to crop residues to clear their fields quickly for the next sowing season, releasing thick clouds of smoke that mix with existing pollutants in Delhi’s air. This seasonal practice, coupled with other local factors, results in severe air pollution, leaving the city grappling with public health emergencies.
Despite efforts to curb stubble burning through awareness campaigns and alternative farming technologies, satellite data and pollution indices indicate that this practice remains a persistent culprit. The recent surge in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to hazardous levels underscores the urgency to address this issue comprehensively.
Delhi’s AQI Hits New Lows
The air quality in Delhi reached alarming levels this week, with the AQI hitting the “severe plus” category of 500 in several areas, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri. The city recorded an overall AQI of 494, marking one of its worst pollution episodes in recent years. A thick layer of smog has reduced visibility and enveloped the city in a persistent haze, impacting daily life and raising serious health concerns.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented strict measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV, which includes curbs on non-essential activities. The Supreme Court has also mandated that no restrictions be lifted unless the AQI improves significantly.
Impact on Daily Life: Schools and Colleges Shut
The toxic air has led to drastic measures, including the closure of schools and colleges across the Delhi-NCR region. The Supreme Court has directed all educational institutions to transition to online classes to protect students from prolonged exposure to the polluted environment. Schools in Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram have also shifted to remote learning, with physical classes suspended until further notice. Universities like Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have extended similar measures, suspending in-person classes temporarily.
Understanding the Science Behind the Smog
According to Hiren Jethwa, an aerosol remote sensing scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the worsening pollution is a result of thermal inversion—a phenomenon where warmer air traps cooler air near the surface, preventing the vertical dispersion of pollutants. This condition, combined with emissions from vehicles, industries, and stubble burning, creates a lethal mix of pollutants that lingers close to the ground.
Punjab Farmers Evade NASA Surveillance, Keeping Stubble Burning Alive
Satellite imagery has confirmed that smoke from crop burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major contributor to the smog. The fires, often set after 2 PM to evade satellite surveillance, produce significant amounts of particulate matter that travel to Delhi, compounding its pollution crisis.
Crop Burning: The Persistent Culprit
Despite claims by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) of a 71% reduction in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, satellite data presents a contrasting narrative. On a single day, Punjab recorded over 7,000 farm fires, according to NASA’s satellite observations.
Farmers cite economic pressures and lack of viable alternatives as reasons for continuing the practice. While the government has provided incentives for adopting sustainable methods, these measures have not reached all farmers effectively. In 2022, Punjab recorded 49,922 farm fire incidents, with districts like Sangrur, Mansa, and Amritsar consistently reporting high numbers.
Efforts to Tackle the Crisis
Over the years, authorities have implemented various interventions to reduce stubble burning, including subsidizing crop residue management machinery and promoting bio-decomposers. However, the adoption rate remains limited, primarily due to cost and logistical challenges.
Punjab’s government has also attempted to enforce stricter penalties for stubble burning, but enforcement has been inconsistent. Experts suggest a need for deeper systemic changes, such as diversifying crop cycles and providing more robust financial support to farmers.
Addressing the Root Cause
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and governance issues. While local emissions contribute significantly to the city’s poor air quality, the annual spike caused by crop burning highlights the need for a coordinated, multi-state effort.
Long-term solutions must include a combination of technological innovations, stricter enforcement of regulations, and meaningful support for farmers to transition away from harmful practices. Without addressing the root causes, Delhi will continue to grapple with hazardous air quality every winter, putting millions of lives at risk. The time for decisive action is now, as the cost of inaction is far too great for both human health and the environment.
(With inputs from agencies)
